Strawberry Earthquake Cake
Strawberry Earthquake Cake is a delightful dessert that combines the sweet, juicy flavor of strawberries with the rich creaminess of a luscious cake. Ideal for gatherings or just a cozy evening at home, this cake pops with vibrant colors and mouthwatering tastes. The beauty of this Strawberry Earthquake Cake lies in its simplicity; it comes together easily and is packed with flavor, making it a favorite for families and friends alike. In this recipe, we’ll guide you through a Step-by-Step process that will have you creating this masterpiece in no time!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Strawberry Earthquake Cake is not just visually appealing; it’s also a crowd-pleaser that delivers on taste and texture. With minimal ingredients required, the preparation is quick and hassle-free. Whether you’re hosting a party or seeking a comforting treat for a quiet night in, this cake is perfect. The creamy swirls of cream cheese and the bursts of juicy strawberries make each bite a delightful experience. Plus, it’s a nostalgic dessert that brings back fond memories of home-baked goodness, making it a must-try for all dessert lovers!
Ingredients
- 1 box vanilla or white cake mix (along with the ingredients listed on the box for preparation)
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped – Juicy, ripe strawberries add a refreshing burst of flavor.
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened – Creamy and rich, perfect for blending into a delectable filling.
- 1 cup powdered sugar – Sweet and fluffy, it balances perfectly with the cream cheese.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted – Rich and buttery, enhancing the overall flavor.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract – Aromatic and warm, it boosts the dessert’s sweetness.
- 1 cup strawberry pie filling – Adds more strawberry love and a delightful texture.
- Fresh strawberries for garnish – Bright and colorful, they elevate the presentation.
Step-by-Step Directions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure that your cake won’t stick.
Prepare the cake mix according to the box instructions, ensuring that your batter is well-mixed and smooth.
Pour the batter evenly into the prepared dish, spreading it out to create a uniform layer.
Sprinkle the chopped strawberries evenly over the top of the batter, allowing their juicy essence to seep into the cake as it bakes.
In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, melted butter, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the cake batter. With a knife, gently swirl the mixture into the cake batter for a lovely marbled effect.
Add dollops of strawberry pie filling on top of the cream cheese and use the knife to swirl it lightly, creating beautiful swirls of color.
Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set. Use a toothpick to check for doneness if necessary.
Let cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing to allow the flavors to meld and make serving easier.
Garnish with fresh strawberries for an extra burst of flavor and color that makes your cake pop!
Tips & Tricks
- Fresh Strawberries: Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor – frozen strawberries may release too much moisture.
- Swirling Technique: When swirling the cream cheese mixture, be gentle to create a beautiful marbled pattern without overmixing.
- Extra Sweetness: Adjust the powdered sugar according to your preferred level of sweetness.
- Chill the Cream Cheese: If you find it hard to mix, chill the cream cheese slightly, as this can make it easier to whip up smoothly.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
This Strawberry Earthquake Cake is delightful on its own, but you can elevate the experience with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. It’s perfect for summer barbecues, birthday parties, and family gatherings. Pair it with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a comforting afternoon treat, or serve it as a delicious finish to a festive meal.
Nutritional Information
A typical slice of Strawberry Earthquake Cake (based on serving 12) contains approximately:
- Calories: 300
- Total Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
- Sodium: 210mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 38g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 18g
- Protein: 3g
While this cake is indulgent, it’s essential to enjoy it in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Storing Tips & Variations
To store your Strawberry Earthquake Cake, keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, you can wrap it in plastic wrap and freeze it for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight and serve at room temperature or warm it slightly in the oven.
Feel free to experiment with this recipe by swapping the strawberries for other fruits like blueberries or raspberries, or adding nuts for extra texture. You can also play with the cream cheese mixture by adding a tablespoon of lemon juice for a zesty twist!
Conclusion
This Strawberry Earthquake Cake is a charming dessert that delivers both flavor and nostalgia in every bite. With its easy preparation and stunning presentation, it’s perfect for any occasion. We hope you try this delightful recipe and share your experience with family and friends! Your kitchen deserves this burst of strawberry bliss!
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
While fresh strawberries are recommended for their flavor and texture, you can use frozen strawberries if necessary. Just remember to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture in your cake.
2. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake the cake a day in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. Just wait to garnish with fresh strawberries until just before serving for the best presentation.
3. How do I know when the cake is done baking?
The cake is done when the edges are golden brown and the center is set. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
4. Can I substitute the cream cheese for something else?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, consider using Greek yogurt or a cream cheese alternative. However, this will change the flavor and texture slightly.
5. Is this cake gluten-free?
This recipe is not inherently gluten-free, as it uses regular cake mix. To make it gluten-free, look for a gluten-free vanilla or white cake mix and follow the same instructions.
Strawberry Earthquake Cake
Ingredients
For the cake
- 1 box vanilla or white cake mix along with the ingredients listed on the box for preparation
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped Juicy, ripe strawberries add a refreshing burst of flavor.
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened Creamy and rich, perfect for blending into a delectable filling.
- 1 cup powdered sugar Sweet and fluffy, it balances perfectly with the cream cheese.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted Rich and buttery, enhancing the overall flavor.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract Aromatic and warm, it boosts the dessert’s sweetness.
- 1 cup strawberry pie filling Adds more strawberry flavor and delightful texture.
- Fresh strawberries to taste for garnish Bright and colorful, they elevate the presentation.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure that your cake won’t stick.
- Prepare the cake mix according to the box instructions, ensuring that your batter is well-mixed and smooth.
- Pour the batter evenly into the prepared dish, spreading it out to create a uniform layer.
- Sprinkle the chopped strawberries evenly over the top of the batter, allowing their juicy essence to seep into the cake as it bakes.
Making the Cream Cheese Mixture
- In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, melted butter, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the cake batter. With a knife, gently swirl the mixture into the cake batter for a lovely marbled effect.
- Add dollops of strawberry pie filling on top of the cream cheese and use the knife to swirl it lightly, creating beautiful swirls of color.
Baking
- Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set. Use a toothpick to check for doneness if necessary.
- Let cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing to allow the flavors to meld and make serving easier.
- Garnish with fresh strawberries for an extra burst of flavor and color that makes your cake pop!